Kent man indicted in Southern Portage police chase

Sunday

RAVENNA — A Kent man who led sheriff's deputies on a high-speed chase in October with two other people in his car — including an infant — is facing multiple felony and misdemeanor criminal charges.

Michael L. Dillon, 39, of 227 Starr Ave., was indicted twice in October by a Portage County grand jury — once on felony drug charges and a second time on other charges related to an Oct. 18 high speed chase that ended in Atwater.

Charges include failure to comply, a third-degree felony; endangering children and driving under suspension, both first-degree misdemeanors, and possession of drug abuse instruments, a second-degree misdemeanor.

Dillon pleaded not guilty to the charges at his arraignment in Portage County Common Pleas Court and is free on bond on the condition he remain on electronically monitored house arrest except for work and court hearings, according to court records.

A trial is scheduled for Jan. 17 in Judge Laurie Pittman's court.

On the evening of Oct. 18, Dillon allegedly led Portage County sheriff's deputies on a chase, speeding through Southern Portage County despite being chased by deputies with their lights and sirens activated.

A passenger in the front seat of Dillon's white 2006 Ford van allegedly was holding a 7-month-old baby girl during the chase, according to the sheriff's office.

Upon his arrest, Dillon was charged with failure to comply, endangering children, reckless operation and driving under suspension.

On May 24, Dillon also allegedly possessed methamphetamine and a glass pipe used to ingest it, according to an Oct. 3 indictment.

Dave O’Brien is a staff reporter with The Kent-Ravenna Record-Courier.

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